The 50 most valuable Trojans of 2012: No. 18

This is our final entry of the week in our countdown of the 50 most valuable USC football players of 2012. Check back Monday for No. 17.

NO. 18 -- OG JOHN MARTINEZ

Vitals: 6-2, 300, redshirt junior

Comment: Martinez enters his second season as a starter as one of USC's steadiest, most reliable players. He started every game as a redshirt sophomore, won many more battles than he lost and never got hurt. Center Khaled Holmes, who ought to know, described Martinez's play as "dominant" last season. But what really makes him valuable is his ability to play center in addition to guard. Martinez got extensive practice reps at center last year while Holmes nursed injuries and proved he could handle the job. Abe Markowitz (No. 36) is listed as the second-string center, but he has had injury issues of his own. The underappreciated Martinez gives USC a nice fallback option just in case.

(About the rankings: The criteria used to derive the rankings included players' past and projected production; their general importance to the team; how indispensable they are according to the depth chart; their position versatility; their ability to play special teams; and their leadership skills and other intangible traits.)

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.